Re-Post due to limited replies. Introduction of T3 a Step Backwards, Bloods and Symptoms..any thoughts?

[Ste1]

Hi all, I have an appt this week with my Thyroid Specialist and would like to get some views on what is causing the reductions in my bloods FT4 and FT3 results and a worsening of symptoms.

I follow all of the protocols prior to getting bloods done as advised here.

Bloods 15th June

My bloods results Medichecks 15th June, 125 mcg Levothyroxine daily.

TSH 0.04 (0.27 to 4.2)

FT4 18.9 (12 to 22) 69% through range.

FT3 5.76 (3.1 to 6.8) 72%.

Folate 19.8 (3.89 to 20.58) 95%.

Vit D 75.

Ferritin 141 (30 to 400) 30%.

B12 Active 116 (37.5 to 150) 70%.

Thyroglobulin Antibodies 11 (<115).

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies <9 (<34).

Still symptomatic slow heart rate, low core temp and constipation.

Bloods on 9th August

After Thyroid specialist had increased Levothyroxine to 137.5 mcg daily. Also I increased consumption of Ferritin based foods, blood results Monitor my Health

TSH 0.05 (0.27 to 4.2).

FT4 20.4 (12 to 22) 84%.

FT3 5 (3.1 to 6.8) 51%.

Symptoms same as previous.

Bloods 19th October

Based on Thyroid specialist considered that the reduction of FT3 from 9th August was likely due to Reverse T3 and gave me a trial of T3, starting a split dose of 5 mcg leading up to 7.5 mcg after a couple of weeks. Also reverted back to 125mcg of Levo. I have been on the T3 and change to Levo for 7 weeks now, bloods Monitor my Health.

TSH 0.03 (0.27 to 4.2).

FT4 15.6 (12 to 22) 36%.

FT3 4.8 (3.1 to 6.8) 46%.

Symptoms: slow heart rate, still slow but slight increase, core temp still low but slight increase, constipation, very fatigued and tinnitus worsened, heartbeat in head, headaches, feeling slightly dizzy for split seconds .

My question is, it it usual for bloods and symptoms to initially worsen when T3 is included?

Thanks for taking the time to read, any thoughts appreciated.

[greygoose]

15th June 125 mcg Levothyroxine daily

FT4 18.9 (12 to 22) 69% through range.

FT3 5.76 (3.1 to 6.8) 72%.

Excellent conversion. But, possible that the FT3 was still too low for you, hence the symptoms.

9th August 137.5 mcg daily

TSH 0.05 (0.27 to 4.2).

FT4 20.4 (12 to 22) 84%.

FT3 5 (3.1 to 6.8) 51%.

Conversion not so good, and could be due to FT4 being too high and being converted to more rT3 than T3. However, even if that were the case, one wouldn't expect it to make such a huge difference. And, strange that such a small increase would increase the FT4 to such an extent. But, as that was the case, the intelligent thing to do next would have been to reduce the levo slightly. Say and increase of 25 mcg once or twice a week.

When you add in T3, the FT4 level is going to drop. And, if on top of that, the endo reduces the dose, you're going to end up with a pretty low FT4:

19th October 125 mcg levo + 7.5 mcg T3

TSH 0.03 (0.27 to 4.2).

FT4 15.6 (12 to 22) 36%.

FT3 4.8 (3.1 to 6.8) 46%.

So the FT4 level is now much too low. And, as you had good conversion that is obviously going to reduce your FT3 level, and the dose of T3 you've been given is not enough to compensate for it - 7.5 mcg is a very low dose.

That's my hypothesis, anyway.

[Ste1 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you so much Greygoose for your insight to what may have occurred, it makes perfect sense. I like and prefer the thought of a slighty amended T4 dosage beyond 125mcg per day, extra 25 mcg for 1 to 2 days per week for 6 to 8 weeks. Would like to be able to avoid the T3 if at all possible will discuss with Specialist. Thanks again.

[greygoose in reply to Ste1]

You're welcome.

[Clicka1973]

Remember that prescription thyroid hormone whether bio-identical or not will have an immediate positive effect, but keep in mind that your body has the ability to make it’s own thyroid hormone providing that all the essential nutrients necessary are present in the diet or through supplementation. Also bare in mind and do research on Gluten. Gluten is not just wheat barley and Rye Rice is also a gluten. You should be consuming organic vegetables and organic grass fed meat and no processed food which contains so many different types of gluten.

Thyroid meds contain gluten! The way to heal your thyroid is to heal your gut. And get tested for all deficiencies.

I’ve been Hypo Hashi celiac diagnosed since 2013

[helvella in reply to Clicka1973]

Which UK thyroid medicines contain gluten?

[janeroar in reply to Clicka1973]

No thyroid meds I’ve ever had contain gluten. Can you clarify this. Thanks

[nellie237 in reply to Clicka1973]

"Rice is also a gluten." I'm coeliac.....................not heard that before???

[greygoose in reply to Clicka1973]

keep in mind that your body has the ability to make it’s own thyroid hormone providing that all the essential nutrients necessary are present in the diet or through supplementation.

Not if you're hypo it doesn't! That's the definition of hypothyroidism: the thyroid is - for whatever reason - unable to make enough thyroid hormone to keep you well. Very rarely does it have anything to do with nutrients, either.

The way to heal your thyroid is to heal your gut.

Thyroids do not heal. Admittedly you need to heal your gut for all sorts of reasons, but it will not heal your thyroid. They are incapable of regenerating. This is rather a lot of misinformation for one post!